Cricket

Akash Deep, the young Bengal pacer, has made a quiet but significant impact on the Indian Test team since his debut in 2023. In his first match against England in Ranchi, he claimed three wickets in his opening spell, including the prized scalp of Zak Crawley. In the recent Test against Bangladesh in Chennai, he once again showcased his prowess by dismissing Zakir Hasan and Mominul Haque in consecutive deliveries, with the ball jagging back into the left-handers and breaching their defenses.Deep's rise to the national team is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He credits the rigors of domestic cricket for preparing him for the challenges of international cricket. "The domestic structure is so good that when you reach here, you already know many things," he said. "So, you get an idea of your bowling and what you must do. I don't find anything new here."Deep's bowling style is similar to that of Mohammed Shami, with the ability to move the ball both ways while attacking the stumps. This has led to comparisons between the two bowlers, and Deep is seen as a potential successor to Shami in the Indian pace attack."When you are playing in place of bowlers who have contributed to the country, then, along with being proud, I feel that I have to do something for my country," Deep said.Ahead of a long winter in which India will play Tests over the next three months, including five in Australia, Deep could be a key weapon in India's pace arsenal. With uncertainty over Shami's comeback after an Achilles tendon surgery, Deep is ready to step up and take over from his state teammate.Deep's journey so far has been marked by humility and a focus on the present. "I have worked on my strengths and what I can add to my bowling. I have thought about a few things. When I play here, it is simple. I don't put extra pressure on myself that I have to go to Australia or some other big series. I stay in the present and think about this match."

Shikhar Dhawan, the former Indian opener, has revealed that he retired from cricket due to a lack of inspiration to pursue domestic cricket for a place in the national team. Dhawan, who played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is for India between 2013 and 2022, announced his retirement in August 2023.Dhawan stated that he had lost the motivation to play domestic cricket, which he had started at a young age. He felt that continuing to play only in the Indian Premier League (IPL) was not enough to maintain his touch and be considered for national selection."I thought that continuing IPL and just coming up with two, three months of hard work won't be enough for me to go and play," Dhawan said.Dhawan, who captained Punjab Kings in the IPL, realized that practicing for a few months before the tournament would not be sufficient to earn him a national call-up. He also expressed satisfaction with his achievements in his career."I was very happy and satisfied and content with whatever I achieved in my career, and very, very grateful for everything," he said.Dhawan praised Rohit Sharma's leadership as India's captain, highlighting the team's T20 World Cup victory under his guidance. He also acknowledged India's near-miss in the ODI World Cup."We were very close in (winning) the ODI World Cup as well, and now we achieved that goal in T20Is," Dhawan said.Dhawan's retirement marks the end of a successful career for the left-handed opener. He is known for his aggressive batting style and has been a key member of India's limited-overs teams. He holds the record for the highest partnership runs in career for any wicket with Rohit Sharma, having added 5,193 runs in 117 matches.

India's fast-rising pace sensation, Akash Deep, has hailed the country's robust domestic cricket system as a crucial factor in his seamless transition to international cricket. Deep, who has already made a mark in his two Test appearances, credits the BCCI's well-structured domestic setup for preparing him for the rigors of international competition."The domestic cricket structure in India is incredibly strong," Deep said. "By the time you reach the international level, you've already played a significant amount of high-quality cricket. You have a clear understanding of your bowling strengths and areas for improvement."Deep's journey to the Indian team is a testament to the effectiveness of the domestic pathway. After an impressive Ranji Trophy campaign in 2019, where he claimed 35 wickets at an average of 18.02, he was selected for the East Zone in the Duleep Trophy and Deodhar Trophy. His consistent performances earned him a call-up to India A, and eventually, a Test debut against England Lions.The support and guidance of senior players in the Indian team have also played a significant role in Deep's transition. "I'm fortunate to play under Rohit Sharma," Deep said. "He simplifies things and creates a comfortable environment for newcomers. He made me feel like I was playing domestic cricket, not international cricket."Deep's success at the international level is a reflection of the hard work and dedication he has put in throughout his career. He has played over 100 first-class, List A, and T20 matches, honing his skills and developing a deep understanding of the game."I've played a lot of cricket in the last two years," Deep said. "It's important to understand yourself as a cricketer. When you're selected for a new team, there shouldn't be any confusion. I've worked on my strengths and identified areas where I can improve."Deep's focus on the present and his ability to adapt to different conditions have been key to his success. "My job is to put the ball in good areas, regardless of the wicket," he said. "I need to find ways to pick up wickets, even if the conditions aren't favorable for fast bowlers."As India prepares for the final Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, Deep is excited to play on a ground that holds special significance for him. "I'm from Banaras, which is not far from here," Deep said. "I had heard of Green Park when I was young, and I thought it was called that because the whole ground was green. It feels nice to be here, at the place I had heard of as a kid."

Despite India's resounding victory in the first Test against Bangladesh, concerns have been raised over the underwhelming performances of skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli. While the team secured a 280-run triumph, the two senior players failed to make a significant impact.Former India opener Sanjay Manjrekar has questioned whether Rohit and Kohli are receiving preferential treatment based on their reputation. He believes that their absence from the Duleep Trophy, a domestic first-class tournament, has hindered their preparation for the Test series."There was the option of picking them in the Duleep Trophy. So one has to be careful about treating certain players differently and do what's best for Indian cricket and for the player," Manjrekar said. "Virat and Rohit not playing (Duleep Trophy) was not good for Indian cricket, nor was it good for the two players."Manjrekar expressed confidence in Kohli and Rohit's abilities to regain their form, but he emphasized the need to address the issue of preferential treatment within the Indian cricket team."But they have the class and experience to make a comeback later in the series, and I don't see them, for that reason, not being in form," he said. "But something that one must make a quiet note of, and that has been a problem with Indian cricket for a long time now, is that certain players get picked out for special treatment because of their status, which eventually hurts that player more than anyone else."The Indian team's success in the first Test was largely due to the standout performances of Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Ravindra Jadeja. However, the struggles of Rohit and Kohli have raised questions about the team's batting depth and the need for a more consistent performance from its senior players.

Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant Return to Delhi's Ranji Trophy Probables ListStar Indian batsmen Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant have been included in Delhi's probables list for the upcoming Ranji Trophy, scheduled to commence on October 11, 2024. The premier domestic red-ball event in Indian cricket has produced numerous Indian stars, including Kohli and Pant.Delhi will face Chhattisgarh in their Elite Plate Group D encounter on the opening day of the tournament. Other notable players on the probables list include Ayush Badoni, Anuj Rawat, Yash Dhull, and Navdeep Saini.Pant recently made a comeback to the Test team in the Duleep Trophy, where he scored a century in the opening match against Bangladesh. His return to form has been a welcome boost for the Indian team ahead of the home series against Bangladesh.The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) announced the list of 84 probables, stating that a fitness test for the selected players will be held on September 26, 2024. Players on international duty are exempted from the fitness test.The Ranji Trophy match on October 11 precedes India's first Test match against New Zealand in Bengaluru, which begins on October 16. This match provides Kohli with an opportunity to gain valuable game time in home conditions before the international series.

Ravindra Jadeja, the enigmatic all-rounder, has quietly established himself as a cornerstone of India's Test machine. Despite often being overshadowed by the spectacular performances of his teammates, Jadeja's contributions have been instrumental in India's recent successes.In the recently concluded Test against Bangladesh, Jadeja played a pivotal role in India's 280-run victory. His 86 in the first innings, when India was struggling at 144 for five, provided a much-needed foundation. He then chipped in with five wickets in the match, including the crucial dismissals of Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das, helping India secure a 227-run lead.Jadeja's all-round brilliance is not a recent phenomenon. Since his comeback in 2018, he has amassed 1926 runs at an impressive average of 43.77 while picking up 128 wickets (avg 25.16). During this period, he has scored four centuries and taken as many five-wicket hauls.His exceptional fielding skills have also earned him widespread acclaim. Widely regarded as one of the best fielders in the world, Jadeja's athleticism and anticipation have saved countless runs and created numerous opportunities for his team.Jadeja's rise to prominence has coincided with a shift in India's Test strategy. The team has moved away from its traditional reliance on pace-bowling all-rounders and embraced the versatility of players like Jadeja and R. Ashwin.As India prepares for the second Test against Bangladesh, Jadeja stands on the cusp of a significant milestone. He is one wicket away from entering the elite club of players who have taken 300 Test wickets. If he achieves this feat, he will become only the seventh Indian to do so.Jadeja's journey from a promising young spinner to a world-class all-rounder is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in his abilities. As he continues to scale new heights, he is sure to leave an enduring legacy in the annals of Indian cricket.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the renowned Indian spinner, has been a consistent performer in both bowling and batting. During the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai, Ashwin scored his sixth century in the format, equaling MS Dhoni's tally. At 38, Ashwin is nearing the end of his illustrious career, and his wife Prithi's recent remarks have given him pause."My wife told me that when she watched the Duleep Trophy highlights, she noticed all the off-spinners bowling," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. "She asked me when I would leave the team to give others a chance."Ashwin's words reflect the reality that younger players are emerging and eager to make their mark. The competition for places in the Indian team is intense, and even established stars like Ashwin must constantly prove their worth.Meanwhile, Ashwin has also commented on the contrasting coaching styles of Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir. Dravid, who led India to the T20 World Cup triumph, was known for his "regimented" approach, while Gambhir is more relaxed."With Rahul bhai, everything had to be in order," Ashwin said. "Even a bottle had to be kept in a specific place at a specific time."In contrast, Gambhir is more laid-back and creates a lively atmosphere in the dressing room. "He's like a 'relaxed Rancho,'" Ashwin said, referring to the character from the Bollywood film "3 Idiots."Gambhir's approach has been well-received by the players, who appreciate his relaxed demeanor. He has also guided India to victory in his first Test assignment against Bangladesh.As Ashwin approaches the twilight of his career, he faces the challenge of adapting to the changing landscape of Indian cricket. The emergence of young talent and the contrasting coaching styles of Dravid and Gambhir will undoubtedly shape his final years in the game.

India's women's cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, has set their sights firmly on winning the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024. The team's unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence have fueled their aspirations to lift the coveted trophy.Kaur, the charismatic captain, has instilled a fearless mindset within the squad, emphasizing the importance of playing with aggression and leaving no stone unturned in their quest for glory. The team's unwavering belief in their abilities has been forged through countless hours of training and a shared desire to bring honor to their nation.Every match leading up to the World Cup is viewed as an opportunity to showcase their exceptional skills and inspire young cricketers worldwide. The team's journey to the final of the 2020 Women's T20 World Cup and their near-miss in the 2023 edition serve as testaments to their potential and resilience.Kaur expressed her excitement about playing in the United Arab Emirates for the first time, anticipating the enthusiastic support of the crowds in Dubai and Sharjah. The squad boasts a formidable blend of experience and youthful exuberance, with seasoned veterans guiding the path for promising young talents.The team's camaraderie and mutual respect create a supportive environment where every player feels valued and empowered. Kaur acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the support staff in fostering a positive and nurturing atmosphere.Preparations for the World Cup have been meticulous, with the team embarking on a rigorous training regimen immediately after the conclusion of the previous edition. Each player has embraced the importance of fitness, recognizing its profound impact on their performance.While strategies may adapt to the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents, the team's primary focus remains on maximizing their own potential and playing to their strengths. Kaur emphasized the importance of adaptability and the ability to execute their plans effectively.The Indian women's cricket team is poised to make a significant impact on the global stage. Their unwavering determination, fearless approach, and unwavering support for one another make them a formidable force to be reckoned with. As they embark on their journey towards the 2024 World Cup, the team carries the hopes and aspirations of a nation eager to witness their triumph.

Mohinder Amarnath, the legendary cricketer who played a pivotal role in India's historic 1983 World Cup victory, turns 74 today. His journey has been marked by both triumph and controversy, with his outspoken nature often making headlines.Amarnath's contribution to India's maiden World Cup triumph cannot be overstated. In the semifinal against England, he took two wickets and scored a crucial 46 runs. In the final against West Indies, he scored 26 runs and bowled a match-winning spell of 3/12, helping India secure a historic 43-run victory.However, Amarnath's career was not without its setbacks. In 1988, he was dropped from the Indian team for the home Test series against New Zealand, a decision that sparked a public outcry. Amarnath's response was equally explosive, as he famously called the selectors "a bunch of jokers."The tension between Amarnath and former BCCI president Raj Singh Dungarpur, who was also the chairman of selectors, was a significant episode in Indian cricket during the late 1980s. Amarnath's criticism of the selection process and his strong personality often clashed with Dungarpur's authority.Despite his controversial exclusion from the team, Amarnath remained a respected figure in Indian cricket. His outstanding performances on the field, particularly during India's 1983 World Cup win, earned him a place in the hearts of cricket fans.Known as "Jimmy," Amarnath is the son of Lala Amarnath, the first post-independence Indian captain of India. He played 69 Tests, scoring 4,378 runs with 11 hundreds and 24 fifties, and also claimed 32 wickets. He also played 85 ODIs for India.Amarnath's legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements. His outspoken nature and willingness to challenge authority made him a symbol of transparency and accountability in Indian cricket. His famous "bunch of jokers" remark remains a reminder of the murky nature of selections during that era.